Success StoryAutoclave scheduling



Autoclave scheduling

Author: Jacob Vincent

Planning Unit: Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs

Major Program: KSU Small Farm Program

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Beekeeping nationwide is in decline. The past 80 years have seen a steady decrease in the total number of managed bee colonies across the United States. Many reasons have been suggested for this decline but the majority agree that pesticides and pests accumulating in the hive are to blame. In order to help sustain Kentucky beekeepers, Kentucky State University has developed a large, mobile autoclave for the purpose of sterilizing used beehive equipment. This unit will both destroy any parasite, virus, or pest present in the hive, as well as remove old wax and comb that is contaminated with pesticides that may have accumulated over the years. On October 30th, 2017, we scheduled for the autoclave to be present at the Eastern Kentucky Bee School in Hazard Co. Ky. This autoclave will be demonstrated and explained to local beekeepers at this event and will allow for the advertising of the relatively new unit. Over time, the sterilization of beehives using the autoclave will save beekeepers thousands of dollars in equipment and allow for the steady increase in bee populations due to decreased prevalence of pesticides and pests inside the hive.






Stories by Jacob Vincent


KSU mobile autoclave sterilizes beehives for Jackson County Dark Honey Producers

about 5 years ago by Jacob Vincent

Honey bees are a critical component in the agricultural industry in the United States.Honey bees pro... Read More


Stories by Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs


Basics of Floral Design

Basics of Floral Design

about 5 years ago by Kendal Bowman

Success StoryBasics of Floral DesignKendal Bowman, Cooperative Extension Service Intern 2018Clark Co... Read More


Maple Season in Kentucky

Maple Season in Kentucky

about 5 years ago by Kevin Gurtowski

As the new year begins and the winter sets in, folks in eastern Kentucky start to stir about about t... Read More